Programs & Events
In full swing
Amb Williams meets young designers and models from across Africa
Jazz with a Message
A visit by the Ari Roland Quartet during the FIMA fashion week was the perfect opportunity to celebrate the arts and focus on new collaborations in creativity as well as development.
Through ECA's Rhythm Road program, the Embassy offered a jazz concert with the Ari Roland Quartet at the Ambassador's residence in honor of American fashion designers at the International Festival of African Fashion (FIMA) and in celebration of America's diversity and creativity. Ambassador Williams' welcome remarks and distribution of white ribbons also highlighted the U.N.'s 16-day campaign against gender-based violence. Coinciding with the final day of FIMA, the concert was used to underscore the role of the arts in promoting mutual understanding and creative exchange. This timing was also chosen to capitalize on the presence of American designers and artists at the festival, as well as the band's relationships with local musicians, who either performed or enjoyed jazz arrangements of their compositions with the audience. In addition, this event provided a formal occasion to call out to Nigerien and international officials for contributions in the fight against gender-based violence.